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Andrew Stefaniak breaks down Kentucky's loss to Kansas

Two stock risers from Kentucky's loss to the Kansas Jayhawks

These two Kentucky Wildcats played well against Kansas.

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Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky just fell short of the #1 Kansas Jayhawks, but there were a few players that really showed up for the Cats in this game. 

Kentucky proved that they are one of the best teams in all of college basketball as they played wire to wire with Kansas without all of their seven-footers. 

Kansas was the older team, and Kentucky was the faster team in this ball game, and with the Cats fully healthy, they are the better basketball team. 

Hopefully, these two teams will meet again in March because Ugonna Onyenso, Aaron Bradshaw, and Zvonimir Ivisic would love the opportunity to guard Hunter Dickinson. 

Let's take a look at two Kentucky players who raised their stock in Kentucky's 89-84 loss to the Kansas Jayhawks. 

Adou Thiero

Nov 6, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Adou Thiero (3) returns to the bench during the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

You could argue Adou Thiero was the MVP for the Cats in this ball game when he scored 16 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished an assist. The sophomore big guard showed how much he can help out down low despite being listed as a guard. If Thiero can score in double figures every game, watch out because he lived around the rim in this game, securing rebounds and scoring down low. Thiero is a high-effort, high-intensity basketball player who will be a big boost for the Cats when the main scoring guards struggle. 

Reed Sheppard

Oct 27, 2023; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard (15) walks off the court after the game against the Georgetown Tigers at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Reed Sheppard did everything for the Cats in this game, scoring 13 points, dishing an assist, and stealing four passes. Sheppard's impact off the bench was a big help to the Cats and will be going forward. Coach Cal often talks about how quick Sheppard's hands are, which is why he steals passes and blocks shots at such a high clip. We wondered how the freshman would play on the big stage and got and a quick and easy answer really good. 

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